Surname Leming - Meaning and Origin

Leming: What does the surname Leming mean?

The surname Leming is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has multiple interpretations. It is believed to be derived from an Old Norse personal name, Leeming, a patronymic name meaning "son of Leofman". "Leofman" itself is a compound of the elements 'leof' meaning 'dear' or 'beloved', and 'man', indicating 'man' or 'person'.

The name could also originate from geographical locations in England, namely from Leeming Bar in North Yorkshire and Leeming House in West Yorkshire. The place name Leeming is derived from the Old Norse elements 'leif' meaning 'inheritance', and 'eng' indicating 'meadow'. Therefore, residing 'by the meadow of inheritance' could be an alternate interpretation.

Hence, the name Leming carries connotations of endearment, lineage, and connections to specific regions in England. Please note that exact interpretations may vary as the translation of ancient names into modern language can be complex.

Leming: Where does the name Leming come from?

The surname Leming is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from an Old English given name, Leaming, which means "dear friend" or "beloved". This name is a patronymic surname, which means it is based on the first name of a male ancestor. Over time, the spelling has changed due to factors like migration and phonetic shifts.

The surname is most commonly found in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. In the United States, the highest concentration of people with the surname Leming can be found in the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Texas. In the United Kingdom, the surname is mostly found in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. However, the surname Leming is quite rare and not common today, even in these regions.

Variations of the surname Leming

The surname Leming has various variants and spellings, originating from different parts of the world, particularly within English-speaking regions. Variations of the same origin include Lemming, Lemmings, Leman, Leeming, Leaming, Liming, and Laming. Some other spelling variations may also include Leeman and Lemmen. Despite these variations, Leming and its variants may not necessarily relate to the same lineage or ancestry. Each different spelling can represent a unique family ‘branch’, having its own history and origin.

In some cases, the name might have been changed over time due to immigration, phonetic spelling, or anglicization. It is also common for surnames to have various spellings due to erroneous transcriptions from one language to another.

These names are distributed in several countries but they are more prevalent in England, the United States, and Canada. Notably, Leming is more common in the United States while the variant Lemming is more common in England and Scotland. Leeman, on the other hand, is prevalent in the Netherlands. While these surnames share similar spellings, exact lineage and genealogical relationships should be verified through dedicated genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Leming

• Roger Leming: an American former professional baseball player who played right field in Major League Baseball.
• Bill Leming: an American vocalist and acoustic bassist who was a member of the groups The Belfters and The Gingersols.
• Kermit Leming: an American country music singer and songwriter known for his hits “Wasting My Time” and “I Don’t Know Why.”
• Bob Leming: an American radio personality, author, and television producer who was inducted into the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1992.
• Jack Leming: a professional American football player who played defensive back in the National Football League.
• Dave Leming: a former Major League Baseball player who was a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants.
• Will Leming: an American former professional baseball player, most notably with the Cleveland Indians.
• Tom Leming: a former American basketball player who attended the University of Iowa and the University of Minnesota.
• Arthur Leming: an American jazz bandleader and clarinetist who performed during the 1920s and 1930s.
• Gunner Leming: an American television writer and producer, best known for his work on the series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Alias.”

Other surnames

Lemings